England Prepares For Proteas "Challenge"

England fast bowler Jimmy Anderson says the upcoming home Test series against South Africa will be the side’s “toughest challenge for a while”.

The English take on the Proteas in a three-game Test series beginning on Thursday July 19 at the Oval in London, before matches in Leeds (August 2-6) and Lord’s (August 16-20).

“We’ve been playing really well at home, but this is going to be our toughest challenge for a while,” Anderson said.

“But we are still confident going into it. We think we have the necessary weapons to be able to beat them. That’s the way we go into most series; thinking we are going to win.

“There’s not going to be time to ease into the series. We’re going to have to be on top of our game from the first minute. It’s going to be an intense few weeks and it’s good that they’re not going to be back to back Tests, as it’s going to be really hard cricket.

“It’s two of the best teams in the world. They are a strong team, they have played well in England before, we lost the last series here to them so it will be really interesting.”

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis said he’s looking to finally make some substantial runs in England, having failed to overly impress there in the past.

“The past is the past. The last innings is the last innings and it plays no part in me wanting to do better,” Kallis said.

“I just do what I do day in or day out and try and perform for whatever side I’ve played for.”